Computer users warned of tax scam

COMPUTER users have been warned to ignore emails claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requesting personal information and bank details.

COMPUTER users have been warned to ignore emails claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requesting personal information and bank details.

The emails are a scam aimed at gaining access to personal details and bank accounts.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission SCAMwatch service has warned Australians to avoid any email purporting to be from the ATO which tries to trick consumers into providing their private details.

“The ATO has received numerous complaints about these emails, which usually includes the words ‘Tax refund’ in the subject heading,” an ACCC spokesperson said.

“There may also be other variations to the subject and text.

“These emails go to great lengths to convince recipients that it is genuine – they even contain a replica of the ATO’s logo and a link to what appears to be the ATO website.

“Consumers are asked to provide details such as their name, email details, date of birth, address and banking details in order to search for any tax refunds.

“The email may also direct consumers to a bogus Taxation Office website and asks for personal information and credit card details.